LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Five, four, three, two, one, happy New Year!
Amidst the cheering and celebrating are the hopes that this New Year will be better than the last. A lot of people view it as a time to start fresh and a chance to improve their lives.
It's easy to come up with new year's resolutions; the hard part is following through with them. Langley has a variety of options available to Airmen who need an extra boost to succeed.
"My new year's resolution this year is to quit smoking, said Airman 1st Class Christopher Felton, 30th Intelligence Squadron imagery analyst. "I'm going to achieve this with support from my family and help from the medical center."
The Health and Wellness Center, provides a tobacco cessation class and support groups for anyone wanting to quit smoking. This class and most classes offered at the HAWC are open to active-duty, civilians, dependents and retirees.
Another New Year's resolution is to lose weight and get into shape.
"My new year's resolution is to lose thirty to thirty-five pounds and I plan to do that by working out at least five to six days a week and watching what I eat, "said Tech. Sgt. Venis Adams, 1st Force Support Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of Force Management Blue Team.
The HAWC offers weight management classes that give tips on how to eat well and stay fit. For those who share a similar resolution like Sergeant Adams, there are a lot of programs they can attend to help them maintain their resolution to lose weight and eat right.
The HAWC has nutrition classes such as brown bag seminars, commissary tours and a healthy microwave bag cooking class. There are also classes that help with diabetes and cardiovascular wellness.
"The programs we offer give people the tools to help them live a healthier lifestyle," said Maj. Amy Carpenter, HAWC flight commander.
Religion and education are next on the list of New Year's resolutions.
Airman 1st Class Candice Page, medical logistics craftsman, has two New Year's resolutions; the first involves her beliefs and religion, and the second is school.
"My first new year's resolution is to grow a better relationship with God. I promised myself I would start building my relationship back with God," Airman Page said.
Langley's chapel is the go-to place for those seeking spiritual guidance and counseling. There are church groups, bible studies and chapel services open to all who wish to join. It also organizes social meals, and provides opportunities for people to join volunteer programs.
According to Master Sgt. Harold Von De Bur, chapel superintendent, the chapel has something for everyone. There are men's groups, women's groups, music groups and even scrapbooking groups. These groups bring people together because they share a common interest, said Sergeant Von De Bur. They help people socialize and also expand their faith.
For anyone needing one-on-one counseling, they can call and set up an appointment with a chaplain, "myself included", Sergeant Von De Bur added.
Airman Page's second resolution relates to education. "I want to at least take three classes each semester this year in college so I can finish my bachelor's degree by next year," she said.
Langley's Education Center provides information for anyone looking to start or continue taking college courses.
According to Karen Braxton, education services advisor, students enrolled in two courses per semester are considered full-time. If a student is interested in attending three courses during one semester, their supervisor must provide a letter of approval endorsed by a senior non-commissioned officer, she said.
Airmen may walk-in or call 225-3516 or 764-3662 to schedule an appointment with a counselor. The education center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Another New Year's resolution people make is to get their finances in order. It's easy to fall off track, especially right after the holidays. Langley's Airman and Family Readiness Center has programs, seminars, workshops and free services available to help Airmen with their financial needs.
Such services include free personal financial evaluations, budgeting information, credit management, debt liquidation, investment and insurance information. The Personal Financial Management Program provides financial education, information and one-on-one counseling.
There is also the Air Force Aid Society which assists with finances in the form of a loan or a grant for emergencies. For more information, call the Langley's Airman and Family Readiness Center at 764-3990.
New year's resolutions can be a challenge to keep but Langley has agencies Airmen can use to help them succeed. Airman may also talk to their supervisor or their first sergeant for any additional help.